A unique engineering hallmark of the Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU) is its frame-mounted shark-nose fairing. Unlike the handlebar-mounted ‘batwing’ fairing found on the Electra Glide, the FLTRU’s fairing remains stationary during steering. This design, originally pioneered by the 1980 FLT Tour Glide, significantly reduces wind buffeting on the handlebars and improves high-speed stability by isolating the steering geometry from aerodynamic forces.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Production Years | 2011-2013, 2016-2019 |
| Engine Oil | H-D 360 20W50 (3.8 L) |
| Front Tire | 130/80B17 65H |
| Rear Tire | 180/65B16 81H |
| Tire Pressure (F/R) | 36 psi (2.5 bar) / 40 psi (2.8 bar) |
| Battery Model | 66010-97D |
| Spark Plugs | 6R12 (2011-16) / 6R10 (2017-19) |
Engineering Evolution: Twin Cam to Milwaukee-Eight
The FLTRU has occupied a premium slot in Harley-Davidson’s Touring lineup across two distinct mechanical eras. The 2011–2016 models featured the Twin Cam 103 engine, known for its robust torque and traditional air-cooled character. In 2017, the model underwent a massive technical shift with the introduction of the Milwaukee-Eight 107. This featured four-valve heads and dual spark plugs, requiring the transition from the 6R12 plug to the 6R10 variant to accommodate the redesigned combustion chamber and higher compression ratios.
Chassis and Maintenance Analysis
The FLTRU is built on the heavy-duty touring frame designed to support the added weight of the Tour-Pak and pillion comfort features. Maintaining the 66010-97D battery is critical, as the high-compression V-twin requires significant cold cranking amps (CCA) to overcome the inertia of the heavy flywheels. For lubrication, MotoSpecsLab recommends the factory-specified 3.8L of H-D 360 20W50 to ensure optimal thermal management in the rear cylinder, which is prone to higher heat soak in slow-moving traffic.
Maintenance FAQ
What oil should I use in my Road Glide Ultra?
The manufacturer specifies 3.8 liters of H-D 360 20W50 motorcycle oil for the engine crankcase.
What is the correct tire pressure for touring?
For optimal handling and tire longevity, maintain 36 psi (2.5 bar) in the front 130/80B17 tire and 40 psi (2.8 bar) in the rear 180/65B16 tire.
Which spark plugs do I need for a 2018 model?
Models from 2017-2019 utilize the 6R10 spark plugs, whereas earlier 2011-2016 models utilize the 6R12.